As I’ve gotten older, I’ve realized that sometimes less is more. As the new year approached, I thought long and hard about the things that I wanted for this year and about the things that were only going to hold me back from having 2018 be the best year possible. This year I’m letting go of all those things that don’t truly bring me happiness or peace. They’re just dead weight that holds you down, takes you off focus or simply don’t bring joy.

The following are a few of the things that I’m giving up this year:

1. Saying “Yes” Too Much

Time is limited and between balancing motherhood, family life, blogging, staying active and the myriad of other things that call for my attention, sometimes there’s little time for much of anything else. This year I’m saying “no” to the things that I aren’t calling out to me. I’ve always been a bit of a people pleaser and sometimes at the sake of my own sanity. This year I’m vowing to only say “yes” to the things that truly need to be done, things that are worth my time and things that I want to do.

2. Playing the Comparison Game

Woo, this one can be a tough one sometimes. I think we all play a bit of a comparison game at times, but it really doesn’t get you anywhere. With social media, and especially in the blogging sphere, it can be difficult because many portray perfection (and believe me, I’m guilty of it too). We see pristine homes, smiling children, gorgeous vacations and more over and over. The thing is that no one wants to air their dirty laundry and we often don’t see or read about hardships that others may be facing. The grass always appears greener on the other side. This year I’m focusing on watering and nurturing my own grass. I’m dropping the need to have perfection and with that comes a lot more time and energy that can be spent creating and growing!

3. Giving a Sh!t What Others Think

Caring too much about what others may think can really hold back on self-development. Working in social media means that my life is out there all the time for others to potentially judge and it’s held me back many times from saying or sharing things. I’m working hard this year to get over it. I don’t want to not be “me”. Keeping it 100% real and unfiltered is the scope of 2018, so be ready! 😉

4. Rushing

Sometimes I feel like life is flying by at super speed and before I’ve even had a chance to enjoy the things that are going on around me, they’re over. This year I want to slow down. I want to be more intentional and really soak in these moments. I’m hoping to slow down life a bit so that I don’t feel the need to rush through the every day things, but instead to savor them and enjoy those moments; the everyday routines that sometimes get taken for granted. I don’t want to look back and not remember the pitter patter of little feet running down the hallways, the echoes of laughter that reverberates in our home, the simple conversations that we have while sitting around the table. I want to more present in the everyday moments, not just going through the motions.

So tell me, is there anything you’re giving up for a happier, healthier or less stressful year?